Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Democratic Party.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal conflicts within the opposition party as the main reason for his decision.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued from Government House in Gusau following a strategic meeting involving top government officials and political stakeholders in the state.

According to the statement, the governor said the decision was taken after weeks of consultations with political leaders, elders and stakeholders in the fourteen local government areas of Zamfara. The consultation, he said, was aimed at assessing the impact of the internal disputes that persist within the PDP on governance and development in the state.

Explaining the reasons for his defection, the governor pointed to persistent instability within the party.

He specifically referred to “internal crises, leadership disputes and unresolved structural challenges” within the PDP, which he said had created serious obstacles to effective governance.

Governor Lawal was also quoted as describing the current situation within the party as one that slows down political coordination and makes it difficult to focus on implementing key development programs for the people of Zamfara.

Sources in Government House indicated that the final decision was taken in a high-level meeting attended by senior government officials and prominent political stakeholders. The meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor reportedly ended with a unanimous agreement to move with the governor to the APC.

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The meeting participants were of the opinion that aligning themselves with the ruling party at the federal level would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and help accelerate development initiatives in the state.

After the announcement, Governor Lawal expressed his appreciation to the PDP members and supporters who have worked with him since the beginning of his political journey.

However, he emphasized that his primary responsibility remains the welfare and progress of the people of Zamfara State, and stressed that the existing political situation in his former party requires decisive action.

The governor also noted that prolonged infighting within the PDP has created a political environment that risks weakening governance and the benefits of democracy.

By joining the APC, Lawal said his administration hopes to foster stronger collaboration with the Federal Government in addressing security challenges and expanding development opportunities across the state.

He said the move will help remove barriers that limit cooperation between state and federal authorities and will increase access to resources needed to address pressing issues such as insecurity and economic development.

Governor Lawal also reiterated his commitment to unity and stability in Zamfara, assuring residents that his administration will continue to prioritize policies that promote peace, security and economic growth.

He urged political leaders, party supporters and citizens across the state to remain calm and maintain peace as the state enters a new phase in its political journey.

According to him, this new alignment is expected to open the door to greater collaboration, stability and a new focus on development in Zamfara State.